# Ahaz the Portly explained — Jesus the Son of Man

> Chapter companion for Jesus the Son of Man by Kahlil Gibran.

## What happens

Ahaz the Portly, an innkeeper in Jerusalem, recalls the last time he saw Jesus. On the Thursday before the Passover, Judas Iscariot arranged for Jesus and his followers to have supper at Ahaz's inn. Unlike previous visits, the mood was somber. Jesus, after the meal, spoke kindly to Ahaz and his family, gave him two shekels to buy a silken girdle for his daughter, and kissed her brow, promising they would return. Ahaz remembers the event vividly and suggests his daughter could tell more.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humanity and Divinity of Jesus

Jesus's personal interaction with Ahaz and his family, including a kiss on the brow, highlights his human warmth and compassion.

### Misunderstanding and Betrayal

The somber mood and Jesus's cryptic remark to Judas about his purse being filled with silver foreshadow the impending betrayal.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus

The central figure of the memory, who dines at Ahaz's inn and gives a parting blessing.

### Judas of Iscariot

Arranges the supper and gives Ahaz two silver pieces, later providing two shekels at Jesus's request.

### Ahaz

The innkeeper and narrator, who remembers the last visit with reverence.

## Key lines

> Good night to you all. We shall come back again to your upper chamber, but we shall not leave you at this early hour. We shall stay until the sun rises above the horizon.

Jesus promises to return and stay longer, hinting at a future gathering that will last until dawn.

_Jesus's farewell is both a blessing and a subtle prophecy of his coming resurrection._

> Soon, oversoon, your purse shall be filled with silver.

Jesus tells Judas that his purse will soon be full of money, alluding to the thirty pieces of silver he will receive for betraying Jesus.

_This line foreshadows Judas's betrayal and the payment he will receive._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jesus_the_son_of_man_se/chapters/ahaz-the-portly
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jesus_the_son_of_man_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jesus_the_son_of_man_se/chapters